Talented and versatile actor Leonard Waldner recently had a conversation with us about his recent and upcoming projects. We are sharing it with our readers here.
Pro Media Mag : First of all tell us about the start of your professional career?
Leonard Waldner : It was in the film “Seven times Lucky”. I didn’t know I had the role until the director called me three weeks later and asked if I was interested to play Jacob, Gordon Tootoosis right hand man who keeps everybody in line, including Kevn Pollack’s character “Harlan. At the Q&A at the Sundance Film festival for “Seven Times Lucky”, someone in the audience asked the director how he had found me. That’s when I realized my role had already been cast, but the director changed his mind when he saw my audition.
Pro Media Mag : Who or what inspired you to get into acting?
Leonard Waldner : Actors like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne with early westerns, I submerged myself into different characters. So I feel very fortunate that I now get to do that for a living.
Pro Media Mag : Have you learned or got training in acting?
Leonard Waldner : I am a very instinctive actor and have also been training for many years. It is an ongoing thing. When time permits you can find me taking Improv classes at places such as UCB or Groundlings and scene studying at Ivana Chubbuck’s acting studio.
Pro Media Mag : Tell us about your recent work?
Leonard Waldner : “Enter The Fire”, I play the abusive alcoholic father of the two leading characters Henry and Bolt And in “Just A Little Bit Longer”, I play the all-knowing nosey landlord. Both films are set to be released for worldwide distribution.
Pro Media Mag : What kind of response have you received from critics and fans?
Leonard Waldner : It’s been very positive, A Cannes Film Festival critic wrote, “Leonard Waldner’s character managed to get the sympathy of the audience in the film “Runaway.” Fans have said that my work is very compelling and they couldn’t take there eyes off me.
Pro Media Mag : Tell us about your favorite chractor you have played so far?
Leonard Waldner : I really enjoyed playing Pete in the movie “Clear Lake” because of how he looked at love, loss and choices.
Pro Media Mag : What’s the best part of being an actor?
Leonard Waldner : Being able to tell the stories of those who can’t.
Pro Media Mag : Any particular role you would like to play at least once in your career?
Leonard Waldner : I’m very intrigued with characters that fight against all odds to overcome there obstacles.
Characters that have to win.
Pro Media Mag : Have you set some targets to achieve ?
Leonard Waldner : I have some characters I would absolutely love to play .I am constantly pushing forward to see them come to fruition.
